Deputy Secretary Burns Honors the Memory of the Victims of the Tragic Events in Ukraine

Deputy Secretary Burns and Ambassador Pyatt Meet With Members of Ukrainian Civil Society

Deputy Secretary of State Bill Burns traveled to Ukraine to convey U.S. support for Ukraine's efforts to secure a stable, democratic, inclusive, prosperous future. In Kyiv, Deputy Secretary Burns consulted with key Ukrainian leaders, the business community, and civil society.

Honoring the memory of the victims of the tragic events of last week, he said, "Let me repeat my sincerest condolences to the family members and loved ones of all who were injured or lost their lives in pursuit of a more just and democratic Ukraine. Their sacrifices inspire us all, and their selflessness should be a source of strength as Ukrainians seek to heal their society’s wounds, renew their democracy, and revive their economy."

At St. Michael's Cathedral, Deputy Secretary Burns expressed his respect and admiration for the doctors and medics and civil society activists, students, representatives, of the diverse faiths of Ukraine who came together to provide support, care, and comfort of those who are wounded.

Deputy Secretary Burns also met with a range of Ukrainian leaders, including Speaker Turchynov, Mr. Yatsenuk, Mr. Klychko, Mr. Tyahanybok, Mr. Poroshenko, Mr. Tihipko, former Prime Minister Tymoshenko, as well as EU High Representative Lady Catherine Ashton and UN Special Envoy Robert Serry. In his meetings, he emphasized the importance of the Rada’s efforts to form a multi-party, technical government that represents all regions of Ukraine. Once that government is formed, he said, "...We and our international partners can begin to take immediate steps to help support Ukraine economically and implement the reforms necessary to restore Ukraine’s political and economic health."

Deputy Secretary Burns said this is a crucial period in Ukrainian history, one of considerable challenges, but also great promise. He said, "The United States stands with the Ukrainian people at this remarkable moment, and we will do all we can to help them build the strong, sovereign and democratic country they so richly deserve."

Comments

Comments

Bruce M.

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California, USA

February 27, 2014

Yeah, right. We all know what it means to "to take immediate steps to help support Ukraine economically and implement the reforms necessary to restore Ukraine’s political and economic health." It means turning Ukraine over to the tender mercies of the IMF, which will immediately demand brutal austerity and suck Ukraine dry in order to pump a few more dollars into the bankrupt London-based financial system. The State Department will "help" Ukraine the same way they have "helped" Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya.

Maria S.

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Ohio, USA

March 1, 2014

What about the cruelty and tyranny way the people in Venezuela has been treated by their Government and Cuba?!

Eric J.

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New Mexico, USA

March 1, 2014

It seems to me that if the people of Ukraine wish to make a clean break from Russian influence and interference in their political destiny, then the matter of territorial integrity needs to be addressed in a non traditional method.

To put this simply...The transitional government should simply sell Crimea to Russia and let the people there choose to ratify the sale of territory or not. Since a large percent are pro-Russian or consider themselves Russian , and knowing Russia is not going to give up it's naval base without a fight and is in process of basicly annexing Crimea by force of arms at this moment in time, better to sell the Crimea for say $150 billion and redraw borders...thgis way the new governmenmt of Ukraine when it becomes elected and "official" has no debt , owes no nation, and has eliminated any further excuse for Russia to interfere in its internal affairs.

The people of Ukraine who looked to the EU for economic future will have one, the people of Ukraine who consider themselves Russian by virtue of the language spoken will have what they want, and Mr. Putin will have nothing to complain about.

Basicly if it works out right...buisiness can resume, folks won't feel left out of the process, and all that really changes in the Crimea is who folks actually pay their taxes to.

I don't know how much Russia is spending on its show of force, but I'm pretty sure it'll cost them a lot more that $150 billion to restore their puppet Victor to power in the Ukraine, on the back of a tank.

( the figure of $150 billion I use simply as a random number for this idea, no insult intended if that price is seen as off by a lot...

This situation is one in which no one is going to get everything they want, but one in which it is possible everyone will get what they need, if cooler heads and compromise are to rule the days ahead.

EJ

Armen K.

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United States

March 6, 2014

I think that President Obama has really out-done himself in yesterday's press conference. After Victoria Nuland was caught on tape, candidly discussing plans on the phone to launch a coup d-etat in Ukraine and install a puppet government (which was subsequently installed with precisely the personnel she demanded in her call), Obama lectures the Russians about respecting national sovereignty. This could be the defining moment in Obama's sad and humiliating presidency.

Eric J.

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New Mexico, USA

March 9, 2014

Eric in New Mexico writes:

(follow-up to previous post)

In regards to what was just a off the cuff thought on how things might be resolved in the long term, to see plans for a "referendum" on Crimea to join the Russian Federation being the topic du jour is pretty weird actually...but even if it were "constitutional" without the whole of Ukraine's population taking part in the vote, it would be completely illogical to give such a break-up of Ukraine's territory any credibility or recognition if the referendum were held while Russian troops were occupying the region. Even Mr. Putin would understand how that would be viewed by the rest of the world as illegitimate.

However, let's assume for the moment that the interim gov. of Ukraine would accept the notion of re-drawing borders through a properly constitutional vote once Russian forces have withdrawn completely...prior to or after an elected government replaces the interim one...and in return for Russia properly compensating any citizen of Ukraine who might wish to relocate if borders are re-drawn, along with proper compensation to the Ukrainian gov. for the territory itself, mineral and energy resources upon it, as well as infrastructure...then maybe the rest of the international community would recognize that process as legitimate and a diplomatic permanent resolution to this crisis.

I think of what might happen if Russia wanted Alaska back...(not that that would garner popular support among the locals) , but if Russia wants Crimea bad enough, Putin should offer to buy it back if the popular broad Ukrainian support of its people would allow for it. "Steward's folly" in purchasing Alaska from Russia might have been a bit controversial at the time, but no one is debating whether Alaska is part of America or not today.

Otherwise the way things are unfolding now in Crimea will only lead to conflict and long term resentment between two neighbors.

Dennis C.

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Wyoming, USA

April 17, 2014

EJ All I have to say is that's a DAM GOOD IDEA. This idea needs more attention before its to late.DC